Danger driver jailed for killing deputy mayor
A DRIVER involved in a head-on smash which killed a deputy mayor and left her son and his partner with life-changing injuries has been jailed for three years.
Simon Gilyeat was driving north on the A470 at Commins Coch near Machynlleth when he smashed into a Skoda Octavia driven by Sylvia Rowlands on September 23, 2017, Mold Crown Court heard.
Gilyeat had been drinking, taken drugs, and crossed the road into the path of Ms Rowlands’ vehicle, said prosecutor David Mainstone.
Ms Rowlands, 70, had gone to pick up her son, Mark Rowlands, and his partner, Kylie Williams.
Ms Rowlands died at the scene, while Mr Rowlands suffered multiple fractures. Ms Williams lost half her scalp.
Gilyeat, 32, of Rickards Street, Graig, near Pontypridd, admitted causing the death of Ms Rowlands and serious injury to Mr Rowlands and Ms Williams by dangerous driving.
Mr Mainstone said he had a blood-alcohol reading of 134ml in 100ml of blood, the legal limit being 80ml, and there was cannabis and cocaine in his system.
Simon Morgan, defending, said the defendant expressed remorse” in a police interview.
Judge Timothy Petts sentenced Gilyeat to six years – three in jail and three on licence. Gilyeat was also banned from driving for seven years.